Sunday 7 February I woke up very early in the morning and saw by the light in the bedroom that something had happened outside that I had last seen in December 2017. Like a happy child, I jumped out of bed, grabbed a box of thick winter sweaters and picked one.
After a bowl of yogurt and a glass of warm water, I put on my high hiking boots. a warm hat over my head and a matching scarf around my neck.
'Bring it on!' I thought, 'the wind won't stop me'! It had been a long time since I had felt the biting wind against my cheeks. Delicious !
Along the way I saw here and there children sitting on a sled, pulled by a parent who was perhaps just as enthusiastic as I was and wanted to introduce the child to the snow for the first time. The child whimpered, apparently found it scary on the sled or was cold, but the parent kept on going, because it's so much fun!
The next day, Monday 8 February, would be the first day after emergency care that we would be open again for all children. I was excited to see everyone again.
Because of the slippery road cycling was not an option, hubby was away by car so there was only one option left and those were my walking shoes. Departed more than an hour earlier than usual because I know from experience that the walk of 6 km is 1 hour under normal circumstances.
While walking my thoughts went out to my group 'The Crickets'. We would definitely play in the snow because if the last real thick layer of snow had fallen in 2017, they have never consciously seen snow in their lives.
But before we could enjoy the snow together, 12 snow suits had to be donned.
Can you picture it already…. and then also in the correct order, gloves, snowsuit, snow boots, and note, the elastic at the bottom of the leg of the snowsuit had to be pulled under the snow boots and finally the hat and scarf.
And then you think you've had it all, suddenly someone has to go to the toilet!
You know the proverb, if one is over the dam, more will follow.
And then I thought for a moment about that whimpering baby I had encountered the day before, maybe he had to pee too?
Anyway, well over half an hour later, the Crickets whizzed down the hill at breakneck speed on a tiny sled, with such ease as if they had been doing this for years. I was asked to slide too, but I politely declined; I couldn't picture myself sliding down with a sled like that underneath me ;)
Making a snowman outside in the square was not an option. 'Unfortunately, no sticky snow,' Cricket Thijs would have said. So we brought snow from outside inside and each made a tiny snowman with our own bucket of snow. First mashing, stirring, and kneading it, but also tasting—brrr, it was so cold. Various dishes passed in review. The most striking dish was definitely white pea soup :) Amazing!! I would never have thought of that.
After a productive day and with a satisfied feeling, walking the 6 km back home. And guess what…..the word Corona has not kept me busy and it was so nice to see everyone again.
On to the next day!!
Greetings Nel
